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Petfood Forum China 2018 focuses on fast-growing domestic market

A sold-out room of Petfood Forum China attendees learned the Chinese pet food market is projected to reach $2.2 billion USD by the end of 2018, representing 21 percent year over year growth, according to George He, account director with GfK Retail and Technology China. He was one of many speakers who presented during Petfood Forum China 2018 held August 21 in Shanghai.

He’s data showed that online pet sales in China are particularly strong, increasing 30.8 percent year over year, though that growth has slowed from 40.7 percent in 2017. Online sales now account for more than half of China’s pet food market at 51.8 percent, compared to 48.2 percent for retail stores. Read more about He’s presentation.

“Petfood Forum China speakers provided important insights on market growth, changing regulations and food safety, in addition to presenting new research,” said Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “The large number of attendees at this year’s conference shows how pet food professionals are seeking information and insights on this dynamic market.”

The seventh annual Petfood Forum China attracted pet food professionals from China and Southeast Asia as well as other regions of the world. Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to learn from internationally recognized pet food experts on a variety of topics including: an update on China’s new pet food regulations, choosing the right food safety management system, keeping up with high growth in China and southeast Asia, “free-from” negative marketing claims, best practices for safe pet food production, the effect of dog kibble size on palatability, and the gut-brain axis. They were also able to interact with Petfood Forum China sponsors including AFB International, Alltech, Darling Ingredients, DSM Nutritional Products, Extru-Tech Inc., Schenck Process, Sonac and Wenger Manufacturing.

Petfood Forum China was held in conjunction with Pet Fair Asia 2018, one of the largest pet trade shows in China. The annual conference will take place again in August 2019 in Shanghai.